Ched Evans has rape conviction quashed

Former Sheffield United footballer Ched Evans has successfully he appealed his rape conviction.

But the Striker, who is now 27, will now face a re-trial for the charge of raping a 19-year-old woman in a Denbighshire Premier Inn in 2012.

He was released from prison in October 2014, after serving half of his five year sentence.

His conviction was referred to the Court of Appeal in March, which investigates possible miscarriages of justice. The court ruled that Evans must face a fresh trial after new evidence was heard.

In a statement given outside of court on behalf of Evans’, his solicitor Shaun Draycott said: “Ched Evans is extremely grateful that the Court of Appeal has ruled that his conviction for rape was unsafe and should be quashed.

“He wants to thank his lawyers, Kieran Vaughan QC and David Emanuel of Garden Court Chambers, London, Shaun Draycott of Draycott Browne Solicitors, Manchester and Liberton Investigations for their hard work and commitment in relation to the CCRC application and the appeal, as well as his partner Natasha, their families and friends and all those members of the public who have offered him support throughout.

“No further statement will be made as it is acknowledged by Mr Evans that the legal process has not reached a final conclusion and there will be further hearings of significance on dates to be fixed in due course.”

Evans previously admitted having consensual sex with the woman in 2011, but has always denied the allegations of rape.

His associate, Clayton Mcdonald, also admitted having consensual sex with the woman, but was acquitted of rape allegations at Caernarfon Crown Court.

Since Evans’ release, he has sparked outrage after trying to sign to football clubs.

Olympic medallist Jessica Ennis-Hill has said that if he was allowed to play for Bramall Lane again, she will have her name removed from the stadium.